GeoEye-nss

Lockheed Martin has completed power-on testing for the GeoEye-2 spacecraft bus, GeoEye’s new commercial Earth-imaging satellite, demonstrating initial electrical integration and validation of the satellite’s interfaces.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems GeoEye-2 program director, Allen Anderson, said: "In partnership with GeoEye, the company will complete the programme on schedule and within budget."

"With spacecraft power-on complete, the team is focused on operational excellence and delivering GeoEye-2 to our customer affordably and efficiently," Anderson said.

Paving the way for integrated hardware-software testing, the power-on testing comprised the installation of power subsystem components, harnesses, and tracking, telemetry and control hardware, supporting the punctual phased checkout of the integrated design.

"GeoEye-2, with .34-meter resolution, will fully support all mission requirements, including the US government’s exacting standards."

The completion will further facilitate the company to start the series of payload incorporation, functional testing and environmental testing phases of the programme, supporting its planned on-orbit operations in 2013.

According to the company, the GeoEye-2 satellite will feature enhanced tasking capabilities and improved image quality, while the ITT Exelis imaging system allows it to collect more images at faster rates, offering additional benefits to its global customers.

GeoEye Engineering vice president, Carl Alleyne, said: "GeoEye-2, with .34-meter resolution, will fully support all mission requirements, including the US government’s exacting standards, when operational in 2013."

Lockheed Martin was awarded a fixed-price contract by GeoEye’s undisclosed US government customer to develop the satellite capable of delivering unspecified images for intelligence analysts, war fighters, decision makers and commercial clients at higher response rates and performance consistency.

The design of new spacecraft is based on Lockheed’s latest LMx platform, initiated with its IKONOS satellite, launched in 1999 and operated by GeoEye.

IKONOS is the world’s first commercial high-resolution Earth-imaging satellite, which provides geospatial data more than five years beyond its initial design life.

Image: Following its launch in 2013, the GeoEye-2 spacecraft bus will support all mission requirements for intelligence analysts, war fighters, decision makers and commercial clients. Photo: Lockheed Martin.